An Uxbridge college student has made it to the grand finale of the world's Top Model of Colour competition.

Katrinah Phenyo, aged 17, was chosen from over 1,500 to be among the 25 female finalists at the contest at Grand Connaught Rooms, on May 30.

The Applied Sciences student, who lives in Uxbridge, aspires to be supermodel and is inspired by her mother.

She told getwestlondon: “I'm so excited to have made it as it opens a lot of doors and I will compete against women from all over the world.

“It's my mum who inspires me. She a was a model always said to me: 'If you have a dream, do everything you can to fulfil it and don’t give up no matter what. Nothing good comes easy and anything that’s easy isn’t that good'.”

Katrinah Phenyo, 17, made the final 25 of Top Model of Colour

The Top Model of Colour, now in its ninth year, offers the talented entrants exposure to the world of modelling and an opportunity to forge a career in the industry.

Katrinah is feeling positive about the final and will spend the next few weeks preparing herself.

“I have been practising for the photo shoot at the final and breaking myself into my heels. I'm feeling ready for the final and will be getting my hair done and buying new clothes this weekend,” she said.

The young, aspiring model is not the only west London competitor preparing for the event, as Mayalka Registe, from Northolt, has also made the final 25.

Katrinah has high hopes for her future and career.

She added: “I hope to become a high-profile super model one day, like Tyra Banks. If I win the contest it will open many other doors and I'd love to also try acting, singing or dancing.”

Katrinah hopes to follow in her mum's success as a model

Katrinah is confident she'll do well in this year's contest but says she will continue entering contests if she doesn't win this time.

The prizes up for grabs at this year's contest include a one-year modelling contract with Mahogany Model management.

Top Model of Colour over the years has produced a number of top models that have gone on to be fashion designers, actors and supermodels.